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It seems that often, far too often, we “Christians” find ourselves over-our-heads in pity, condemnation, discouragement or doubt because of this little thing called: “feelings.” We don’t feel like reading our Bibles, sharing our faith, going to church, etc. Or, we don’t feel like anything is happening in areas where we need answers or miracles (me, right now) … So, we long for those times when we felt God in such a real way we thought we were going to explode!!

Feelings by their very nature are misleading. Surely you’ve felt something one day, only to feel nearly the opposite the next. I believe feelings and emotions are part of being a Christian and in being human in general, but God calls us to much more than that. God calls us to work. We certainly aren’t saved by works – as Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us – but we sure aren’t saved by feelings, either. We’re saved by God, and therefore should take Him seriously when he says, “faith without works is dead” (James 2:17). That means it’s possible for us to feel as though we have faith to move mountains, yet in reality it could be that we have the dead faith spoken of in James 2:17. God calls us to be and do rather than to simply feel. He calls us to have real faith instead of only emotional highs.

Why do you do what you do? Yeah, what’s really behind the things you do? The music you play? The clothes you wear? The things you read? The friends you hang with? The prayers you pray? The money you spend? Etc…

You see, God knows your motives and affections… He knows the truth. Your service to God and others (yes both) will reveal who you truly are. It’s not enough to pray and read your Bible – no, you must OBEY it AND you must LOVE God & others with ALL your heart.

Does our faithfulness defend us or expose us? IF we have the character and nature of God, faithfulness is not an option: O LORD God Almighty! Where is there anyone as mighty as you, LORD? Faithfulness is your very character. Psalm 89:8

It’s not enough to look in the mirror and convince ourselves with “I’m ok” statements. What’s the purpose behind your efforts? Selfish gain or sacrifice? Laziness or long-suffering? Happiness or joy? Oh yes, my friend – our motives count and God knows exactly what’s up! People may be pure in their own eyes, but the LORD examines their motives. Proverbs 16:2

“Faith, as Paul saw it, was a living, flaming thing leading to surrender and obedience to the commandments of Christ.” A.W. Tozer

We’re not on break… EVER. We constantly stand before our God and anything less than our very best is not just unacceptable – it’s sin. You do not have “free time” unless during those times you are FREE in Christ. Fight the urge for “me time” and seek God like never before – He’ll take care of your “me needs” in a far superior way than you could ever do for yourself.

After months of praying, talking, listening, fasting, researching and visiting; we have received our next assignment from the Lord… drum roll please… no, seriously, do that thing with your tongue.

My family and I will be transitioning to Northern New England where I will be planting, and serving as the Executive Director of, Revolution Youth Community in Burlington, Vermont. This is a HUGE step of faith and it is certainly way outside-the-box of anything else that we have done or considered. In a word, it’s an ADVENTURE!

Lake Champlain Burlington, Vermont.

According to Barna Research Group (see attached article), Burlington, Vermont is the #1 most UNCHURCHED city in America! What better place to rethink how we do church and offer a collaborative opportunity for communities, families and churches to come together for the sake of their teenagers and young adults? We are not seeking to abandon existing churches but, instead, to provide a unified, off-site, setting for students to build friendships, receive love, encouragement and hope. We will also provide a judgement free environment for students to explore the outrageous claims of Christ with honest, unfiltered curiosity! These types of opportunities are difficult in smaller church, youth group, settings.

I will serve as a missionary to the most post-christian region & people of America!

Lives will change. Hope will rise. Morality will flourish. Communities will be impacted. Schools will be influenced. Jesus will be glorified!

We can’t simply standby and watch the next generation walk away from their faith and we, certainly, must stop blaming the millennials for being apathetic…

I’m stepping up to fight for our future by believing in our youth TODAY. This model may not be needed or sought in your community but parents, businesses and churches are excited to assist, invest in and wholeheartedly support what we are doing in Vermont! I believe this will be the first of MANY “Revolutions” – maybe your community will be next?!

WANT TO JOIN US?

We invite everyone to PLEASE pray for us and get behind this! In a few weeks, we’ll begin raising some funds via various opportunities and also looking for skilled people to assist in other ways (website, design, videos, marketing, etc) and we’ll also be seeking equipment (MacBooks, projectors, sound, lighting, video equipment, etc). Lots of you have unique relationships with people who can pitch in and INVEST in this amazing Kingdom adventure!

Last of all, let me leave you with the verse God spoke to me the night He called me into youth ministry 34 years ago, “Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.” Psalm 71:17-18

This verse rings even louder in my head and heart today! This will be my life story. I have never sought to be famous or to advance my career. My joy is found in obeying God and making Him famous. He designed the church and it’s my desire to see that it thrives until He returns!

I’ve found myself making choices in behavior, attitude and thought that directly relate to a renewed relationship with Jesus (truth) and His Word. IF I’m not improving, then I’m proving that I’m lazy, lying or lost. Freedom is a gift not a right, it comes through Christ not charisma.

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free … So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”John 8:32, 36

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6

Here’s a few quotes about TRUTH from my journal:

IF what you’re trusting as TRUTH doesn’t make you FREE, it’s false. That stinks!

How can we be entertained by lies and still claim to know & love the truth?

Want to make a difference? Live the Truth!

What you believe determines how you behave.

A lot of us are still choosing ‘dare’ (in “truth or dare” game w/ God). We would rather do something daring for God, then be known for truth.

Truth can speak anywhere because truth is everywhere… Jesus should not have to barge in on my insecurity and pride just to speak truth.

Truth will never define a coward.

Dont use spiritual terminology to cover up your rebellion. Call it sin.

You can lie to yourself about something so many times that you start believing it as truth… and even fight for it.

Truth is not what you make it to be… If you wanna deny truth to save-face with a friend, you’ve got it all backwards… and you’ve grieved the Holy Spirit.

Righteousness guards the person of integrity.

If you’re living in truth, talk to Him and find out where the shadows creep in and fix those cracks.

Are you living in a shade of Grey? Move to Truth & experience God in ways you have yet to have embraced. Truth cannot be stopped – so, be sure you’re living on the side of LIGHT!

A man can no more diminish God’s glory (truth) by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word ‘darkness’ on the walls of his cell. ~ C. S. Lewis

Did any of the quotes (above) jump out to you? Talk about it in the comments!